Storage system configured for use with an energy management system

ABSTRACT

A storage system configured for use with an energy management system is provided and includes a single-phase AC coupled battery or a three-phase AC coupled battery, a plurality of microinverters that are configured to connect to one or more battery cell core pack that form a local grid, and a controller configured to detect when to charge or discharge the single-phase AC coupled battery or the three-phase AC coupled battery so that energy can be stored therein when energy is abundant and used when energy is scarce.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to and the benefit of U.S. ProvisionalPatent Application Ser. No. 62/959,419, which was filed on Jan. 10,2020, the entire contents of which is incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND 1. Field of the Disclosure

Embodiments of the present disclosure generally relate to power systemsand, more particularly, to storage systems configured for use withenergy management systems.

2. Description of the Related Art

A grid-tied solar photovoltaic (PV) system is a solar energy system thatis connected (or tied) to a utility electrical grid and operates if thegrid is available. During a power outage, the grid-tied PV system stopsgenerating power, and remains shut down until the grid power becomeavailable.

Homes are, typically, built with a main panel sized for connection to aspecific amount of resource loads and utility connection. This specificamount is determined by NEC section 705 of the National Electric Code(NEC) that prevents installation of resources beyond the capabilities ofthe main panel. Adding new PV circuits or battery storage systems to anexisting home can lead to a situation where the total amount ofresources connected to the panel exceeds the limitation of the mainpanel. Conventional methods for dealing with this limitation of the mainpanels sometimes include: (1) installing PV circuits and storage up tothe maximum limit of the main panel, which can be very restrictive; and(2) upgrading the main panel to a larger sized panel that can acceptmore PV and storage, which can lead to additional expenditures.

SUMMARY

In accordance with some aspects of the present disclosure, a storagesystem configured for use with an energy management system comprises asingle-phase AC coupled battery or a three-phase AC coupled battery, aplurality of microinverters that are configured to connect and acontroller configured to detect when to charge or discharge thesingle-phase AC coupled battery or the three-phase AC coupled battery sothat energy can be stored therein when energy is abundant and used whenenergy is scarce.

In accordance with some aspects of the present disclosure, a storagesystem configured for use with an energy management system comprises asingle-phase AC coupled battery or a three-phase AC coupled battery, aplurality of microinverters that are configured to connect and acontroller configured to detect when to charge or discharge thesingle-phase AC coupled battery or the three-phase AC coupled battery sothat energy can be stored therein when energy is abundant and used whenenergy is scarce.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

So that the manner in which the above recited features of the presentdisclosure can be understood in detail, a more particular description ofthe disclosure, briefly summarized above, may be had by reference toembodiments, some of which are illustrated in the appended drawings. Itis to be noted, however, that the appended drawings illustrate only atypical embodiment of this disclosure and are therefore not to beconsidered limiting of its scope, for the disclosure may admit to otherequally effective embodiments.

FIG. 1 is a diagram of a backup configuration supported by an energymanagement system, in accordance with at least some embodiments of thepresent disclosure.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a single-phase AC-coupled battery (SP)and a three-phase AC-coupled battery (3P battery) of the energymanagement system, in accordance with at least some embodiments of thepresent disclosure.

FIG. 3 is partial, perspective view of the SP battery including anintegrated DC disconnect switch, in accordance with at least someembodiments of the present disclosure.

FIGS. 4A and 4B are front and perspective views, respectively, of a wallmount bracket for the SP battery, in accordance with at least someembodiments of the present disclosure.

FIGS. 5A and 5B are front and perspective views, respectively, of a wallmount bracket for the 3P battery, in accordance with at least someembodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a raceway, in accordance with at leastsome embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 7 is a diagram of the raceway of FIG. 6 installed on adjacent SPbatteries, in accordance with at least some embodiments of the presentdisclosure.

FIG. 8 is partial, perspective view of the SP battery, in accordancewith at least some embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the 3P battery without a cover and withthe cover installed, in accordance with at least some embodiments of thepresent disclosure.

FIG. 10 is a diagram of the SP battery and the 3P battery withrespective coverings, in accordance with at least some embodiments ofthe present disclosure.

FIG. 11 is a diagram of a screen shoot of a cloud interface for use withthe energy management system, in accordance with at least someembodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 12 is a diagram of a combiner including a gateway of the energymanagement system, in accordance with at least some embodiments of thepresent disclosure.

FIG. 13 is various views of a smart switch of the energy managementsystem, in accordance with at least some embodiments of the presentdisclosure.

FIG. 14 includes diagrams of a circuit breaker installation, lugs at amain breaker position, and a breaker installed at a main breakerposition for the smart switch, in accordance with at least someembodiments of the present disclosure.

FIGS. 15A-15D are diagrams of an electrical panel including electricaldetails of the smart switch, in accordance with at least someembodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 16 is a diagram of a mount used for mounting the smart switch, inaccordance with at least some embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 17 is a diagram of a bracket, in accordance with at least someembodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 18 is a diagram of the smart switch shown mounted on a mountingsurface using the mount of FIG. 16 and bracket of FIG. 17 , inaccordance with at least some embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 19 is a diagram of a backup configuration supported by the energymanagement system, in accordance with at least some embodiments of thepresent disclosure.

FIG. 20 is a diagram of a backup configuration supported by the energymanagement system, in accordance with at least some embodiments of thepresent disclosure.

FIG. 21 is a diagram of a backup configuration supported by the energymanagement system, in accordance with at least some embodiments of thepresent disclosure.

FIG. 22 is a diagram of a backup configuration supported by the energymanagement system, in accordance with at least some embodiments of thepresent disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In accordance with the present disclosure, an energy management systemprovides an innovative solution to the man panel upgrade (MPU) byconnecting additional PVs and storage system(s) to a smart switch(microgrid interconnect device (MID)), e.g., as opposed to the mainpanel, thus avoiding the MPU for whole home and subpanel backup systems.With respect to whole home backup, the smart switch is connected betweenthe utility meter and the main panel with an over current protectiondevice that limits the amount of current that can flow to the mainpanel, thus avoiding the MPU. For the subpanel backup, an installer canmove as much load circuits from the main panel to the sub-panel.

All the breakers inside a smart switch of the energy management systemare configured to be opened to de-energize the entire energy managementsystem, e.g., the energy management system will shut down.

The load circuits that will be backed up during grid outages arepre-selected during installation of the energy management system. Ifusers choose to have subpanel backup, the users can select whichcircuits they want to backup during installation of the energymanagement system. In this case, only selected load circuits will bebacked-up and other non-essential loads will not be powered-on duringoutages. In such an instance, there is no need to manually open thebreakers if a user (e.g., homeowner) selects subpanel backup option.

If a user chooses the whole home backup option, then all the circuits ofa house will be backed-up. If a user wishes to restrict backed-upcircuits during outages, the user may need to not use those specificappliances or open the breakers of the specific circuits manually.

In at least some embodiments, the energy management system can beconfigured for three phase applications. In at least some embodiments, agenerator including hardware and software capability can be integratedinto the energy management system.

When the energy management system is configured as a backup system,disconnecting the energy management system from the grid does not turnoff the power to a house (e.g., residence or premise), e.g., since theenergy management system provides power to the home during an outage.For example, a single-phase AC-coupled battery (SP battery) and athree-phase AC-coupled battery (3P battery) are the grid-formingelements of the energy management system and can be isolated from theenergy management system or shut down to de-energize the premises.

In at least some embodiments, at least four 3P batteries or twelve SPbatteries (e.g., adding up to 40 kWh) can be connected to the smartswitch. Additionally, up to two 3P batteries can be daisy chained andconnected directly to the smart switch. For more batteries, an externalsub panel may be used to combine the circuits and connect them to smartswitch.

A storage system configured for use with an energy management system,such as the ENSEMBLE® energy management system available from ENPHASE®,is described herein.

FIG. 1 is a diagram of a backup configuration supported by an energymanagement system 100, in accordance with at least some embodiments ofthe present disclosure. The energy management system 100 is compatiblewith one or more microinverters, both for existing and new installs. Theenergy management system 100 can be configured for use with backwardcompatibility with M- or S-Series microinverter systems. In at leastsome embodiments, the energy management system 100 can be configured toprovide a per-panel monitoring feature and real-time monitoring feature.

The energy management system 100 can be provided as a kit. For example,for grid-tied PV only, for grid-tied PV and storage, and/or for agrid-agnostic energy management systems, one or more of the PVs, the SPbattery, the 3P battery, the smart switch, the combiner/gateway, Q cableand/or Q accessories can be provided in the kit. Additionally, two mainbreakers for a supply side and a load side connection of the smartswitch, and circuit breakers for connection of PVs and storage systemscan also be provided in the kit.

Continuing with FIG. 1 , in at least some embodiments, the energymanagement system 100 comprises a storage system 108, a smart switch 110(e.g., transfer switch), a combiner 107 including a wireless adaptor,which can be a USB dongle that connects to a communication gateway, oneor more photovoltaics (PVs) 106, and a tertiary control 112 (e.g.,cloud-based tertiary control using application programming interface(API)), which can provide over-the-air firmware upgrade. The combiner107 can connect/communicate with the smart switch 110 and the storagesystem 108 via a wireless connection (or wired connection, such as an ACpower wire) and with the Internet and/or cloud via Wi-Fi or cellularconnections. For example, the combiner 107 comprises the communicationgateway (FIG. 12 ) to which the wireless adaptor connects andcommunicates with the smart switch 110, the storage system 108, and theInternet and/or cloud. The combiner 107 connects to the PVs 106 and cancommunicate with the PVs 106 via a power line communication (PLC) overan AC power wire, and the other components of the energy managementsystem 100 can connect to each other via the AC power wire. A combinerthat is suitable for use with the energy management system 100 is theIQ® line of combiners available from Enphase Energy, Inc., fromPetaluma, Calif.

In at least some embodiments, the energy management system 100 of FIG. 1can be configured as a whole home backup (or partial home backup andsubpanel backup) with the smart switch 110 of the energy managementsystem 100 located at a service entrance (e.g., connected to a meter 105which is connected to a utility grid 101). A user can back up a mainload panel 104 (e.g., Siemens MC3010B1200SECW or MC1224B1125SEC, GE 200Amp 20/40, and the like), which connects to one or more loads 103 (e.g.,critical or backup loads). In such an embodiment, the smart switch 110can support up to an 80 A breaker for the PVs 106 connected to thecombiner 107 (e.g., PV combiner, (solar)) and an 80 A breaker for abattery storage circuit (e.g., for the storage system 108). When anexisting combiner 107 is connected to the main load panel 104, a usercan keep the combiner 107 connected to the main load panel 104, connectonly the storage system 108 to the smart switch 110, and the space inthe smart switch 110 for the combiner 107 can be left vacant and usedfor additional battery storage.

The storage system 108 is part of the energy management system 100 andis configured to participate in grid services, such as capacity anddemand response. The storage system 108 is durable NEMA type 3R outdoorrated. The storage system 108 is configured as a modular AC-coupledbattery storage system with time-of-use (ToU) and backup capability,which allows for easy installation.

The storage system 108 connects to the smart switch 110 and the combiner107 and is configured to provide backup power when installed in a homeor at a site. The storage system 108 includes one or more of a SPbattery (120V) or a 3P battery (240V) (e.g., three SP batteriesconnected to each other, hereinafter 3P battery), which includecorresponding internal microinverters, that are connected to (orintegrated with) the PVs 106. The storage system 108 can be configuredto detect when it is optimal to charge or discharge the SP batteryand/or the 3P battery so that energy can be stored therein when energyis abundant and used when scarce.

The storage system 108 is configured to self-protect against low stateof charge (e.g., <1%) of battery packs, or cell voltages remaining inextreme low warning region. For example, the storage system 108 isconfigured to shut down an AC bus and/or DC bus to prevent celldischarge of the SP battery and/or the 3P battery when required.

Additionally, the storage system 108 is configured to send notificationalerts via, for example, the combiner 107 to a user. The notification,for example, can be suitable text indicating that the state of charge ofthe cells of the SP battery or the 3P battery are low, e.g., very lowstate of charge of the battery cells. Other text can also be used toalert a user. The alerts can also be available to a user and/or atechnician or customer service representative to enable proactiveappropriate preventive measures to avoid damage to the SP battery and/orthe 3P battery. Moreover, the storage system 108 includes suitableenergy reserve to self-protect against extremely low state of charge ofbattery cells of the SP battery and/or the 3P battery due toself-discharge losses of the storage system, e.g., for at least sevendays after a notification is sent to a user, technician, and/or customerservice representative. In at least some embodiments, the storage system108 is configured to allow a user to set a remaining state of charge foreach day.

FIG. 2 is a diagram of a backside of a SP battery 200 and a 3P battery202, respectively, in accordance with at least some embodiments of thepresent disclosure. In at least some embodiments, the SP battery 200 and3P battery 202 are lithium-ion batteries, such as lithium ferrousphosphate (LFP) batteries, can be configured for passive cooling, can beconfigured for either indoor and/or outdoor installations, can beconfigured for wireless communication (e.g., Zigbee, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth,or the like, as described in greater detail below) and can be configuredwith modular and expandable power and energy rating. The passive coolingfeature eliminates the presence of any moving parts (e.g., mechanicalfans, coolants, etc.), thereby making the storage system 108 less proneto failures.

The SP battery 200 and 3P battery 202 can be AC-coupled or integratedwith the microinverters and can support backup operation and blackstart. The SP battery 200 has 3.36 kWh capacity and 1.28 kVA ratedcontinuous output power. The 3P battery 202 comprises three SP batteries200 and has 10.08 kWh and 3.84 kVA rated continuous output power. Themodularity allows a user to install as many of the SP battery 200 or 3Pbattery 202 after an initial install of the energy management system100, thus allowing the energy management system 100 to functionseamlessly.

The SP battery 200 is configured to connect to one or a plurality ofmicroinverters. For example, in at least some embodiments, the SPbattery 200 is configured to connect up to four microinverters 204 whichconnect to one or more battery cell core pack of the SP battery andwhich form the grid in a user's house (e.g., a local grid) when autility grid goes down. Likewise, the 3P battery 202, which is three SPbatteries 200, is configured to connect to up to 12 microinverters whichalso connect to one or more battery cell core pack of the 3P battery andwhich form the grid in a user's house (e.g., a local grid) when autility grid goes down. In at least some embodiments, the microinverters204 are field swappable for both the SP battery 200 and/or the 3Pbattery 202. That is, the microinverters 204 configured for use with theSP battery 200 are also configured for use with the 3P battery 202.Additionally, in at least some embodiments, the battery cell packs (notshown) for the SP battery 200 are not swappable or configured for usewith the 3P battery 202, and vice versa. Alternatively, the battery cellpacks for the SP battery 200 can be configured for use with the 3Pbattery 202, and vice versa. Similarly, a battery controller 113 (FIG. 1), a battery management unit (BMU), and/or AC interface boards (all notshown) are not swappable or configured for use with the 3P battery 202,and vice versa, but in at least some embodiments, they can be.

The SP battery 200 and the 3P battery 202 are configured to respond to acommanded charge or discharge at a given C-rate (e.g., acharge/discharge rate), and accept or receive a predefined hourly,daily, and monthly schedule for charge and discharge at differentC-rates. If one microinverter in either of the SP battery 200 or the 3Pbattery 202 fails (the energy management system 100 has a DPPM value ofless-than-1000), the storage system 108 will continue to operate andprovide backup with the remaining microinverters; a faulty microinvertercan easily be replaced. Additionally, in the 3P battery 202 with 10.08kWh usable energy capacity, if one 3.36 kWh SP battery 200 fails, thestorage system 108 will continue to operate and provide backup powerwith its remaining base units.

The SP battery 200 can be used for PV self-consumption, PV non-export,and other grid-tied applications. The SP battery 200 can also be used toaugment the 3P battery 202 units in a backup system and provide as manySP batteries required for pairing with PVs beyond the 3P battery limits.Each SP battery 200 can be used to enable backup with relatively smallPV systems e.g., of less than 1.9 kWac in size. More SP batteries or 3Pbatteries can be added for larger PV systems sizes. Up to 1.9 kWac of PVcan be supported for backup using each SP battery 200. Up to 5.7 kWac PVcan be paired with one 3P battery 202 for backup. Additional batteriescan be installed if size of the paired PV is more than this value.

In addition to the above, the storage system 108 provides backup(Off-grid) capability, e.g., using the SP battery 200 or the 3P battery202, support backup with seamless transfer (e.g., <100 ms), and providescompatibility with PV module installations. For example, the storagesystem 108 can be configured for use with new PV installs, retrofits,whole house backup operation up to 200 A, sub-panel backup operation upto 200 A, grid-tied operation: ToU, self-consumption, and/or dailycycling, and standalone installation without PV modules.

FIG. 3 is partial, perspective view of the SP battery 200 including anintegrated DC disconnect switch 300, which is configured for use witheither the SP battery 200 or the 3P battery 202 configuration. In atleast some embodiments, during mounting of the SP battery 200 and/or the3P battery 202, the DC disconnect switch 300 can be in a locked or offconfiguration to prevent electrical shock, and after the SP battery 200and/or the 3P battery 202 are installed, the DC disconnect switch 300can be moved to the unlocked or on configuration.

FIGS. 4A and 4B are front and perspective views of a wall-mount bracket400 for the SP battery. FIGS. 5A and 5B are front and perspective viewsof a wall-mount bracket 500 for the 3P battery. To mount the SP battery200 or the 3P battery 202, a user can place them right side up on a flatmounting surface. In at least some embodiments, the SP battery 200 andthe 3P battery 202 can be located closest to a main power supply. Next,a user, while supporting the SP battery 200 or the 3P battery 202 fromunderneath, can lift the SP battery 200 or the 3P battery 202 and holdthem at an angle so that a top of the SP battery 200 or the 3P battery202 sets into a top of a respective the wall-mount bracket 400, 500.Once the top of the SP battery 200 or the 3P battery 202 is engaged withtop tabs 402, 502 of the wall-mount bracket 400 and wall-mount bracket500, a user can maintain the battery relatively vertical, to ensure theSP battery 200 or the 3P battery 202 is flush against their respectivewall mount bracket and can lower the SP battery 200 or the 3P battery202 down until fully seated on a respective wall-mount bracket shelf404, 504. Next, a user can attach the SP battery 200 or the 3P battery202 to the mounting bracket by aligning a screw hole 302 (FIG. 3 ) at atop of the SP battery 200 or the 3P battery 202 with a correspondingscrew hole 406, 506 at the top of the wall-mount bracket 400 andwall-mount bracket 500. In at least some embodiments, a plurality ofmounting apertures 408, 508 can be provided on the wall-mount bracket400 and wall-mount bracket 500 for securing the wall-mount bracket 400and wall-mount bracket 500 to a mounting surface.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of one type of a raceway 600 that may beused when installing the 3P battery 202 (e.g., three SP batteries 200),in accordance with at least some embodiments of the present disclosure.FIG. 7 is diagram of the raceway 600 shown installed on adjacent SPbatteries, in accordance with at least some embodiments of the presentdisclosure. When installing the 3P battery 202, one or more raceways 600may be used. For example, to install the raceway 600, a user can facethe front of the 3P battery 202 (e.g., fronts of three SP batteries200), and insert the raceway 600 through the right-hand unit's left-sideconduit opening 700 (see FIG. 8 , for example) from within a fieldwiring compartment 702, with the arm 602 of the raceway 600 pointing up.Next, a user can push a body 604 of the raceway 600 through theleft-side conduit opening 700 and into the left-side unit's right-sideconduit opening 704 (not explicitly shown) of adjacent ones of three SPbatteries 200 until one or more snap features 606 (e.g., such as a pairof snap features, one shown) on the raceway 600 engage the left-sideunit's enclosure. Once fully inserted, a user can rotate the arm 602(e.g., toward a user or downward) until the arm 602 stops. In at leastsome embodiments, the arm 602 can include a c-shaped notch 610 that isconfigured to engage a corresponding protrusion (not shown) to lock thearm 602 in a fixed or locked configuration. The left-side conduitopening 700 of each of the three SP batteries 202 has a flat surface,without additional features. A relatively large seal on the raceway 600is configured to mate with the left-side conduit opening 700. A pair ofO-rings 608 are disposed between the arm 602 and the snap features 606.For example, the right-side conduit opening 704 has a groove around thehole to fit the O-ring 608 of the raceway 600 and the left-side conduitopening 700 has a groove around the hole to fit the other O-ring 608 ofthe raceway 600. The O-rings 608 are captured in the grooves between the3P battery 202 enclosure and the raceway 600 flanges 612 adjacent to theO-rings 608 (see FIG. 7 , for example).

FIG. 8 is partial, perspective view of the SP battery 200, in accordancewith at least some embodiments of the present disclosure. Usingconductors and one or more suitable conduits, a user can connect an ACdisconnect (not shown) to the SP battery 200. A user can use a conduitopening 800 to connect the conduit and pass the wires through them. Incertain embodiments, if the smart switch 110 is in line-of-sight, abreaker can serve as the AC disconnect. Next, a user can connect each ofthe wires in a terminal block 802 in the field wiring compartment 702 totheir corresponding conductor (e.g., lines and ground); each terminalaccepts two 12-8 AWG conductors (11 mm/ 7/16 inch strip length), and cantighten to 14 in lb. If installing the 3P battery 202, wires can berouted from an SP battery 200 to an adjacent SP battery 200 through theraceway 600. There are two positions for each line and for ground in theterminal block 802 to allow for daisy-chaining. If additional SPbatteries or 3P batteries need to be connected, a user can useadditional conduit and an additional set of wires to connect betweenfield wiring compartments.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the 3P battery 202 without a cover 900and with the cover 900 (enclosure) installed, in accordance with atleast some embodiments of the present disclosure. A user can place thecover 900 over the 3P battery 202 (e.g., three SP batteries) and slidethe cover 900 over the 3P battery 202 so that interior guides (notshown) of the cover 900 slide easily over the guides (not shown) on the3P battery 202. Next, the user can check that the screw hole on top ofthe cover 900 aligns with a corresponding screw hole (e.g., screw hole302) on the 3P battery, and can connect the cover to the 3P batteryusing one or more suitable screws. Similar processes can be used forconnecting a cover to the SP battery 200.

FIG. 10 is a diagram of the SP battery 200 and the 3P battery 202 withcover 1000 and cover 900, in accordance with at least some embodimentsof the present disclosure. The SP battery 200 and the 3P battery 202 areshown in a fully assembled configuration including covering 1000 (e.g.,a first covering), 900 (e.g., a second covering), respectively,configured to maintain NEM integrity. As noted above, the SP battery 200can be configured for 3.36 kWh/1.28 kW operation, and with the covering1000 can weigh about 45.3 kg (100 lbs.) and can have dimensions of about26.1″×14.4″×12.5″ (H×L×D). As noted above, the 3P battery 202 can beconfigured for 10.08 kWh/3.84 kW operation, and with the covering 1002can weigh about 3×45.3 kg (136 kg, 300 lbs.), and can have dimensions ofabout 26.1″×42.1″×12.5″ (H×L×D).

In at least some embodiments, an LED display 1003 or a plurality of LEDs1004, or other suitable device, can be located in manner that is visibleto a user or technician. For example, the LED display 1003 and theplurality of LEDs 1004 can be located to be visible through a frontsurface of the cover 900 and cover 1000 (see FIG. 10 , for example). Inat least some embodiments, each of the LED display 1003 and theplurality of LEDs 1004 are configured to display configured to displayinformation. For example, in at least some embodiments, the LED display1003 and the plurality of LEDs 1004 are configured to displayperformance information, cell information of the single-phase AC coupledbattery and the three-phase AC coupled battery, microinverter statusinformation, guidance to a technician, e.g., for debugging, and a statusinformation of the single-phase AC coupled battery and the three-phaseAC coupled battery including battery failure, microinverter failure, orfirmware upgrade. In at least some embodiments, instructions to decodeLED signaling can be provided in, for example, a technical manual, andpresent the process flow and status.

For example, after the cover 1000 is connected to the SP battery 200and/or the cover 900 to the 3P battery 202, and the storage system 108of the energy management system 100 is powered on (e.g., a startupprocess) the LEDs 1004 can be configured to flash one or more suitablecolors, e.g., yellow, red, green, and the like, for a duration of astartup process. In at least some embodiments, the storage system 108can be configured such that LEDs not flashing the one or more of thecolors during the startup can be indicative of a malfunction. After theSP battery 200 and 3P battery 202 are powered on and a gateway hasdetected the SP battery 200 and 3P battery 202, the LEDs 1004 can beconfigured as follows. In at least some embodiments, the LEDs 1004 canflash yellow (or other suitable color) while each of the SP battery 200and 3P battery 202 boots up. In at least some embodiments, if the LEDs1004 rapidly flash green (or other suitable color) for more than twominutes (or other suitable time frame), this can be indicative of the SPbattery 200 and 3P battery 202 being in a trickle charge mode and willremain so until the SP battery 200 and 3P battery 203 reach a minimumstate of charge (e.g., up to 30 minutes or other suitable time frame).After the SP battery 200 and 3P battery 202 are booted up, the LEDs 1004can be configured to become blue or green (or other suitable color)depending on the charge level. If the LEDs 1004 flash yellow (or othersuitable color) after one hour (or other suitable time frame) or changesto a flashing red state (or other suitable color), this can beindicative of a malfunction. Table 1 is an example of various LEDoperations suitable for use with the storage system 108.

TABLE 1 State Description Rapidly flashing yellow Startingup/Establishing communication Red flashes in sequence of 2 Error. See“Troubleshooting Solid yellow Not operating due to high temperature. See“Trouble shooting” Solid blue or green Idle. Color transitions from blueto green Slowly flashing blue Discharging Slowly flashing green ChargingSlowly flashing yellow Sleep mode activate Off Not operating. See“Troubleshooting

The microinverters 204 are configured to communicate via power linecommunication (PLC). For example, the PLC is configured for internalcommunication between the battery controller 113 of the storage system108 and the microinverters 204 inside each of the SP battery 200 and 3Pbattery 202. Additionally, the battery controller 113 of the storagesystem 108 including each of the SP battery 200 or 3P battery 202 isconfigured to support wireless communications to communicate with, forexample, a gateway, e.g., 2.4 GHz and 900 MHz. The wirelesscommunication interface can be over IEEE 802.15.4 running on ZigBee(MODBUS or SEP2.0 running over ZigBee), or other suitable wirelesscommunication interface, e.g., Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and the like. In atleast some embodiments, the SP battery 200 or 3P battery 202 can beconfigured to communicate over one or more higher-level protocolsrunning on top of Zigbee. The SP battery 200 or 3P battery 202 areconfigured for updating to new protocols with a software upgrade. Allsoftware and firmware components included in the storage system 108 areupgradable remotely, e.g., without a need for a user to download fromthe server. The battery controller 113 is configured totranslate/limit/aggregate messages received from the microinverters 204prior to sending traffic to the gateway, e.g., translates messagesbetween the gateway and the PVs 106 and sends selected messagesappropriate from each side. For example, the battery controller 113 ofthe storage system 108 is configured to select (use) a plurality ofpre-defined parameters (and/or events) to communicate with the gateway.

The storage system 108 including the SP battery 200 or 3P battery 202are configured to support existing grid tied operation modes andfeatures and support functions, in both grid-tied and off-grid modes,including, but not limited to, self-consumption in grid-tied mode, ToUoptimization in grid-tied mode, demand charge reduction in grid-tiedmode, demand management in grid-tied mode, and/or range extension inoff-grid mode.

The smallest AC power supply can be about 3.36 kWh, and since thestorage system 108 is modular and expandable, a user can install as manystorage systems 108 as required to power the appliances that a userwants to, with a maximum of twelve SP batteries 200 or four 3P batteries202. The energy management system 100 enables a user to back up a homeentirely or partially, up to a rated energy capacity of 40 kWh and morethan 15 kW power rating, providing the maximum flexibility to a user.

The storage system 108 includes a remote monitoring system. For example,in at least some embodiments, the storage system 108 includes a cloudinterface or other server-based system (e.g., tertiary control 112) thatis configured to transmit notification alerts for extremely low state ofcharge (e.g., <0.5%) of the SP battery 200 and/or the 3P battery 202.The remote monitoring system is configured to provide a state-of-chargeestimation based on a self-discharge rate of the storage system 108, andinformation from the storage system 108 to enable sending notifications,e.g., such as when the storage system is not communicating via acombiner/gateway. The energy management system 100 and componentsthereof use industry standard encrypted messaging and authentication tocommunicate with one another, and with the cloud interface.

FIG. 11 is a diagram of a screen shot 1100 of a cloud interface (e.g.,tertiary control 112) for use with the energy management system 100, inaccordance with at least some embodiments of the present disclosure. Asillustrated by the screen shot 1100, the cloud interface of the remotemonitoring system provides real-time power flow with local gridconnectivity status and control, provides configurable single-phase ACcoupled battery and three-phase AC coupled battery profiles to optimizeat least one of self-consumption or time-of-use, and provides ahomeowner with an estimator tool for storage system sizing andphotovoltaic sizing, or troubleshooting capabilities to identify and fixissues with the energy management system 100.

FIG. 12 is a diagram of the combiner 107 including a gateway 1200 andwireless communication kit 1202 (e.g., such as the ENSEMBLE® line ofcommunication kits available from Enphase Energy, Inc., from Petaluma,Calif.), in accordance with at least some embodiments of the presentdisclosure. The gateway 1200 is configured to measure PV production andhome energy consumption. The gateway 1200 further comprises a gatewaycontroller 1204 that is coupled to a bus and communicates with, forexample, power conditioners (e.g., via PLCs) and/or other types of wiredand/or wireless techniques (e.g., 2.4 GHz and 900 MHz), as describedabove. The gateway controller 1204 (and the battery controller 112)comprises a transceiver, support circuits, and a memory, each coupled toa CPU (not shown). The CPU may comprise one or more conventionallyavailable microprocessors or microcontrollers; alternatively, the CPUmay include one or more application specific integrated circuits(ASICs). The gateway controller 1204 may send command and controlsignals to one or more of the power conditioners and/or receive data(e.g., status information, performance data, and the like) from one ormore of the power conditioners. In some embodiments, the gatewaycontroller 1204 may be a gateway that is further coupled, by wirelessand/or wired techniques, to a master controller via a communicationnetwork (e.g., the Internet) for communicating data to/receiving datafrom the master controller (e.g., performance information and the like).In at least some embodiments, the gateway controller 1204 can beconfigured to function as the battery controller 113 of the storagesystem 108.

The combiner 107 or the gateway 1200 is configured to support one ormore circuits. For example, in at least some embodiments, gateway 1200can support up to four circuits (e.g., for either solar and storageconfigurations) using, for example, one or more of busbars (e.g., Eatonbusbar), breakers (e.g., BR breakers, 10 A gateway breaker, and thelike).

The combiner 107 or the gateway 1200 provides the storage system withfrequency and voltage values (e.g., droop control) as a guide to howmuch energy to charge and discharge from the SP battery 200 and 3Pbattery 202. For example, the gateway 1200 can send frequency (F) andvoltage (V) values (bias) to the battery controller 113 of the storagesystem 108 to control the microinverters 204 in the SP battery 200and/or the 3P battery 202. The F and V values are sent to the batterycontroller 113 for secondary control, which can occur over seconds, andthe battery controller 113 can determine the charge and discharge powerof the SP battery 200 and/or the 3P battery 202. Additionally, the PVmodules are configured to measure their own F and V locally and controlthem during backup operation, e.g., in order of every few milliseconds.

The gateway 1200 is provided in an enclosure (e.g., a durable NEMA type3R enclosure similar to the enclosure or coverings of the SP battery 200or the 3P battery 202) that is configured for single stud mounting,which simplifies installation, accepts conduit entry along sides,bottom, and/or back of enclosure.

FIG. 13 illustrate various views of the smart switch 110, in accordancewith at least some embodiments of the present disclosure. The smartswitch 110 includes a reliable, durable NEMA type 3R enclosure. Thesmart switch 110 can comprise a housing 1300 with a front cover 1301having a width of about 19.7 inches and a height of about 36 inches. Thesmart switch 110 can include a main enclosure 1302 having a width ofabout 18.8 inches, a height of about 33.8 inches, a depth of about 7.2inches, and a distance between a back surface 1304 of the main enclosure1302 to a front surface 1303 of the front cover 1301 is about 9.7inches.

The smart switch 110 is configured to consolidate interconnectionequipment into a single enclosure and streamline grid-independentcapabilities of the PVs 106 and battery storage installations byproviding a consistent, pre-wired solution for a user (e.g., residentialusers). Along with the smart switch 110 functions, the smart switch 110also includes PV 106, storage system 108, and generator 109 inputcircuits. The smart switch 110 includes an input that is configured toconnect to one of the meter 105 at a service entrance or the main loadpanel 104.

A smart switch that is suitable for use with energy management system100 can be the ENPOWER® line of smart switches available from EnphaseEnergy, Inc., from Petaluma, Calif. The smart switch 110 can beinstalled using a wall-mount bracket and can be installed complying withnational and local electrical codes and standards, as described ingreater detail below.

The smart switch 110 is a MID (e.g., as per NEC section 705) and can beconfigured for 100 A, 150 A or 200 A disconnecting current capacity forbackup, and provides seamless transition to backup during utility gridoutages. The smart switch 110 includes an auto transformer to support120V/240V loads in backup, supports interconnection of the SP battery200 and 3P battery 202, the combiner 107 (AC), and backup load panel.The smart switch 110 supports whole home and subpanel backup, andincludes an enclosure for indoor and outdoor installations, can support2.4 GHz and 900 MHz wireless communication, and supports generatorintegration.

The smart switch 110 is configured to provide safe control connectivityto the utility grid 101, automatically detect utility grid 101 outages,and provide seamless transition to backup. The smart switch 110 canconnect to the one or more loads 103 or service entrance side of themain load panel 104 (FIG. 1 ), include centered mounting brackets tosupport mounting to one or more mounting surfaces, support conduit entryfrom the bottom, bottom left side, and/or bottom right side, supportwhole home, partial home backup, and subpanel backup, can provide up to200 A main breaker support, and include a neutral-forming transformerfor split phase 120/240V backup operation. The smart switch 110streamlines grid-independent capabilities of PV 106 and storage system108 installations.

FIG. 14 includes diagrams of a circuit breaker installation, lugs at amain breaker position, and a breaker installed at a main breakerposition for the smart switch 110, in accordance with at least someembodiments of the present disclosure. The smart switch 110 includes aback surface 1400 that is configured to support the electricalcomponents of the smart switch 110 and to expose a main breaker 1402(e.g., 200 A). The main breaker 1402 is connected to a main lug housing1404 that includes a connection area 1406 to which the main breaker 1402is connected. The main lug housing 1404 is supported on the back surface1400. The main breaker 1402 includes a switch 1408 and two electricalconnection areas 1410 that are configured to receive corresponding wires(not shown). The smart switch 110 consolidates interconnection equipmentinto a single enclosure and streamlines grid-independent capabilities ofthe PVs 106 and storage installations by providing a consistent,pre-wired solution for users. In addition to the above-describedfunctions, the smart switch 110 can be configured to include PV, storagesystem, and generator input circuits.

FIGS. 15A-15D are diagrams of an electrical panel 1500 includingelectrical details of the smart switch 110, in accordance with at leastsome embodiments of the present disclosure. FIG. 15A illustrates a backcover 1502 that partially covers the electrical panel 1500 of the smartswitch 110. The back cover 1502 includes a door 1504 that covers thecontrol PCBA 1506 (FIG. 15B) and autotransformer (not shown). The backcover 1502 includes an opening through which one or more breakers, Eatonbreakers, relays, MID relays, connectors, bus bars, and other electricalcomponents of the electrical panel 1500 extend (FIG. 15A). For example,the electrical panel 1500 can include an AC combiner breaker 1508, abattery storage system breaker 1510, an auto transformer breaker 1512, agenerator breaker 1514, the main breaker 1402, a main relay, (e.g., 200A), a main breaker 1518 for service disconnect, I/O connectors 1520, andone or more connectors 1522 for the combiner 107, storage system 108,and the generator 109 (FIGS. 15A and 15C). The wiring from theelectrical panel 1500 can be fed from the smart switch 110 to thevarious components of the energy management system 100 (e.g., thecombiner 107, the storage system 108, generator 109, etc.) or componentsconnected to the energy management system 100, e.g., the main load panel104, (FIG. 15D).

FIG. 16 is a diagram of a wall mount 1600 used for mounting the smartswitch 110 of the energy management system 100, FIG. 17 is a diagram ofa bracket 1700 of the smart switch 110, and FIG. 18 is a diagram of thesmart switch 110 shown mounted on a mounting surface 1800, in accordancewith at least some embodiments of the present disclosure. The wall mount1600 includes a plurality of apertures 1602. The apertures 1602 areconfigured to receive one or more fasteners therethrough for mountingthe wall mount 1600 to the mounting surface 1800. The bracket 1700 isconfigured to connect to a back of the smart switch 110 and to the wallmount 1600. For example, in at least some embodiments, the bracket 1700includes locking tabs 1702 (e.g., generally L-shaped) that areconfigured to engage a side surface of the smart switch 110. Duringinstallation, a user aligns a plurality of apertures 1704 of the bracket1700 with the plurality of apertures 1602 of the wall mount 1600 anddrives the one or more fasteners (e.g., bolts, screws, etc., not shown)through the apertures 1602 and apertures 1704 and into the mountingsurface 1800, e.g., single stud, wood, brick, or concrete wall, and thelike. Next, a user can attach/connect the smart switch 110 to thebracket 1700 by pressing the smart switch 110 into the bracket 1700until the locking tabs 1702 engage the side surface of the housing 1300of the smart switch 110.

The smart switch 110 is configured to provide MID functionality thatallows a home to be isolated from the grid, thus enabling thegrid-independence function. The smart switch 110 is also configured toprovide connections for easier integration of the storage system, PVmodules, and generator integration into a user's home energy system. Thesmart switch 110 can also be configured for managing load imbalance in auser's home. For example, the smart switch 110 can include generalpurpose relays that can be used for actuating external devices, e.g.,power contactors and relays to control loads and load subpanels, controlheating and air conditioning thermostats, water heater, electricchargers, and other electric loads. In at least some embodiments, thesmart switch 110 includes 2 normally open and 2 normally closed generalpurpose relays I/O, and one generator control relay I/O. The generatorI/O can be used to remotely start and stop generators and otherresources such as fuel cells and other power generation and storagedevices.

A microgrid system can be defined as a premises wiring system that hasgeneration, energy storage, and load(s), or any combination thereof,that includes the ability to disconnect from and parallel with a primarysource. Such systems have also been referred to as intentionallyislanded systems.

In accordance with the instant disclosure, the smart switch 110 cancomply with the following: (1) be required for any connection between amicrogrid system and a primary power source; (2) be listed or fieldlabelled for the application; and (3) have sufficient number ofovercurrent devices located to provide overcurrent protection from allsources.

Multiple smart switches (multiple MIDs) can be configured to back upseparate 200A load panels. In such embodiments, each smart switch wouldrequire a corresponding combiner/gateway and can be set up asindependent systems in backup mode. The smart switches can form aseparate island with associated load panel during backup operation. Inat least some embodiments, these islands do not need to be connected toeach other during backup operation, and the loads, storage system, andPV modules that are within each island can be separated from the rest ofthe energy management system via each smart switch.

The smart switch 110 communicates with the gateway 1200 over one or moresuitable wireless interfaces (e.g., with IEEE 802.15.4 specification, tocreate personal area networks that require a low data transfer rate,energy efficiency and secure networking). To this end, a wirelessadapter (USB dongle) can be configured to connect to a USB port locatedon the combiner/gateway (e.g., located inside the combiner/gatewayenclosure). In at least some embodiments, the wireless adapter can beconfigured as a failsafe mechanism. In such embodiments, the wirelessadaptor can be configured to operate in two or more frequency bands,e.g., 2.4 GHz and 915 MHz; the former being the primary band ofcommunication, and if the primary communication fails, the smart switchestablishes the communication with the latter.

In addition to the installed configuration of FIG. 1 , the energymanagement system 100 can be installed in other configurations. Forexample, FIG. 19 illustrates a whole home backup with the energymanagement system 100 at the service entrance and combiner 107 (orgateway 1200) connected to the main load panel 104. When a user backs upthe main load panel 104, a size of the combiner circuit in the combiner107 can be about 80 A, and the combiner 107 connection space in thesmart switch 110 can be left vacant. Accordingly, when existingcombiners are connected to the main load panel 104, a user can addadditional storage systems including the SP battery 200 and/or the 3Pbattery 202 to the energy management system 100, a user can keep thecombiner connected to the main load panel 104 and connect the storagesystem 108 and/or additional SP batteries and 3P batteries to the smartswitch 110.

FIG. 20 is a diagram of backup configurations supported by the energymanagement system 100, in accordance with at least some embodiments ofthe present disclosure. The energy management system 100 can beconfigured for partial home back up using the subpanel 2000 backup forthe loads 103 (e.g., critical or backup loads), with the main load panel104, which is connected to other loads 111 (e.g.,non-critical/non-essential loads), at the service entrance and thecombiner 107 connected to the subpanel 2000, e.g., when the PV 106circuit is more than 80 A. The space available in the smart switch 110of the energy management system 100 for the combiner 107 connection canbe left vacant.

FIG. 21 is a diagram of backup configurations supported by the energymanagement system 100, in accordance with at least some embodiments ofthe present disclosure. The energy management system 100 can beconfigured for partial home back up using the subpanel 2000 (e.g.,critical loads) backup with the main load panel 104 at a serviceentrance and the combiner 107 connected to the smart switch 110 of theenergy management system 100, e.g., when the PV 106 circuit and storagesystem 108 are less than 80 A.

FIG. 22 is a diagram of backup configurations supported by the energymanagement system 100, in accordance with at least some embodiments ofthe present disclosure. In at least some embodiments, the energymanagement system 100 can be configured for self-consumption, e.g., withno smart switch. In such a configuration, when adding the storage system108 including the SP battery 200 and/or the 3P battery 202 and thecombiner 107 for self-consumption in a grid-tied application, e.g., withno option for backup during outages, the combiner 107 and storage system108 will not operate when the grid is unavailable.

In at least some embodiments, the energy management system 100 forpartial backup can be configured with different utility breakerdowngrades. For example, for a 200 A main panel busbar (e.g., 120%capacity it 240 A), a breaker downgrade for a 200 A utility breaker canbe calculated using 240 A−200 A=40 A total capacity available for PV andstorages and for a breaker downgrade for 150 A utility breaker, then 240A−150 A=90 A total capacity available for PV and storage. Othercalculations can also be used for determining utility breakerdowngrades.

In at least some embodiments, when the energy management system 100 isconfigured for whole backup, as the PVs 106 and storage system 108 isconnected to the smart switch 110 on a utility side of the main loadpanel 104, a main panel upgrade is not required, and the main load panel104 is still protected by the main load panel 104 main breaker that wasprotecting main load panel 104 prior to connecting the PVs 106 andstorage system 108, e.g., no violation of 120% rule. Similarly, when theenergy management system 100 is configured for partial backup, e.g., bydownsizing the utility breaker in the main load panel 104, MPU can alsobe avoided. For example, for a 200 A main load panel, by downsizing the200 A breaker to 150 A, 90 A of the PVs 106 and storage system 1008capacity will be available without an MPU.

Some of the advantages of the energy management system 100 can include,but are not limited to: reliability including proven high reliability IQseries micros, distributed AC architecture vs single point of failurefor string inverters and DC coupled solutions, passive cooling (nomoving parts, fans, and pumps with high failure rates), and singlereliable partner for all customer needs: install, monitor, customerservice, & warranty; scalability including flexible PV and storagesolution for new and retrofit installs, 3.36 kWh/1.28 kW increments ofbattery storage, and AC-coupled with ease of expandability in future;smartness including simple and easy to design and install and integratedcontrols, seamless transition to backup, and wireless communications;and safety including safety of AC voltage, Safety of LFP cells, and bestin class safety for battery storage: UN38.3, UL1973, UL1998, UL991,9540, 9540 A.

While the foregoing is directed to embodiments of the presentdisclosure, other and further embodiments of the disclosure may bedevised without departing from the basic scope thereof, and the scopethereof is determined by the claims that follow.

The invention claimed is:
 1. A storage system configured for use with anenergy management system, comprising: a single-phase AC coupled batteryor a three-phase AC coupled battery; a plurality of microinverters thatare configured to connect to one or more battery cells that form a localgrid; a server-based system configured to provide: an estimator tool forstorage system sizing and photovoltaic sizing; and at least one ofconfigurable single-phase AC coupled battery and three-phase AC coupledbattery profiles to optimize at least one of self-consumption ortime-of-use; or troubleshooting capabilities to identify and fix issueswith the energy management system; and a controller configured to detectwhen to charge or discharge the single-phase AC coupled battery or thethree-phase AC coupled battery so that energy can be stored therein whenenergy is abundant and used when energy is scarce, wherein the pluralityof microinverters are field swappable such that the plurality ofmicroinverters configured for use with the single-phase AC coupledbattery are also configured for use with the three-phase AC coupledbattery.
 2. The storage system of claim 1, wherein the single-phase ACcoupled battery or the three-phase AC coupled battery are configured torespond to a commanded charge or discharge at a given C-rate and receiveat least one of a predefined hourly, daily, and monthly schedule forcharge and discharge at different C-rates.
 3. The storage system ofclaim 1, wherein the single-phase AC coupled battery and the three-phaseAC coupled battery are lithium-ion batteries comprising lithium ferrousphosphate batteries.
 4. The storage system of claim 1, wherein thesingle-phase AC coupled battery has 3.36 kWh capacity and 1.28 kVA ratedcontinuous output power, and wherein the three-phase AC coupled batterycomprises three single-phase AC coupled batteries and has 10.08 kWh and3.84 kVA rated continuous output power.
 5. The storage system of claim4, wherein adjacent ones of the three single-phase AC coupled batteriesare connected to each other via a raceway.
 6. The storage system ofclaim 5, wherein the raceway comprises a body, an arm, a snap feature,and a pair of O-rings disposed between the snap feature and the arm. 7.The storage system of claim 1, wherein the single-phase AC coupledbattery and the three-phase AC coupled battery comprise an integrated DCdisconnect switch.
 8. The storage system of claim 1, further comprisinga first covering that is configured to enclose the single-phase ACcoupled battery or a second covering that is configured to enclose thethree-phase AC coupled battery.
 9. The storage system of claim 1,further comprising a first mount configured to connect to thesingle-phase AC coupled battery for mounting the single-phase AC coupledbattery or a second mount configured to connect to the three-phase ACcoupled battery for mounting the three-phase AC coupled battery.
 10. Thestorage system of claim 9, wherein each of the first mount and thesecond mount comprises top tabs, a bracket shelf, and a screw hole thataligns with a corresponding screw hole on a top of the single-phase ACcoupled battery or the three-phase AC coupled battery.
 11. The storagesystem of claim 1, wherein each of the single-phase AC coupled batteryand the three-phase AC coupled battery comprises at least one of an LEDdisplay or a plurality of LEDs.
 12. The storage system of claim 11,wherein each of the LED display and the plurality of LEDs are configuredto display performance information, cell information of the single-phaseAC coupled battery and the three-phase AC coupled battery, microinverterstatus information, guidance to a technician and a status information ofthe single-phase AC coupled battery or the three-phase AC coupledbattery including battery failure, microinverter failure, or firmwareupgrade.
 13. The storage system of claim 1, wherein the plurality ofmicroinverters are configured to communicate with each other and thecontroller via power line communication.
 14. The storage system of claim1, wherein the controller including each of the single-phase AC coupledbattery and the three-phase AC coupled battery is configured to supportwireless communications to communicate with a gateway of the energymanagement system.
 15. The storage system of claim 14, wherein thecontroller is configured to receive frequency and voltage values fromthe gateway to control the plurality of microinverters and determine acharge and discharge power of each of the single-phase AC coupledbattery and the three-phase AC coupled battery.
 16. The storage systemof claim 1, wherein the server-based system is further configured toprovide a cloud interface configured to provide at least one of:real-time power flow with local grid connectivity status.
 17. An energymanagement system comprising: a smart switch including an input that isconfigured to connect to one of meter at a service entrance or a mainload panel, wherein the smart switch is configured to support one ofwhole home backup, partial home backup, and subpanel backup; a storagesystem connected to the smart switch, wherein the storage systemcomprises: a single-phase AC coupled battery or a three-phase AC coupledbattery; a plurality of microinverters that are configured to connect toone or more battery cells that form a local grid; a server-based systemconfigured to provide: an estimator tool for storage system sizing andphotovoltaic sizing; and at least one of configurable single-phase ACcoupled battery and three-phase AC coupled battery profiles to optimizeat least one of self-consumption or time-of-use; or troubleshootingcapabilities to identify and fix issues with the energy managementsystem; and a controller configured to detect when to charge ordischarge the single-phase AC coupled battery or the three-phase ACcoupled battery so that energy can be stored therein when energy isabundant and used when energy is scarce, wherein the plurality ofmicroinverters are field swappable such that the plurality ofmicroinverters configured for use with the single-phase AC coupledbattery are also configured for use with the three-phase AC coupledbattery; and a combiner connected to one of the smart switch or the mainload panel and one or more photovoltaics.
 18. The energy managementsystem of claim 17, wherein the single-phase AC coupled battery or thethree-phase AC coupled battery are configured to respond to a commandedcharge or discharge at a given C-rate and receive at least one of apredefined hourly, daily, and monthly schedule for charge and dischargeat different C-rates.